Nigeria News (Standard)
Paystack Launches ₦4m Support Bundle for Lagos Small Businesses, Targets Operational Growth
Fintech firm unveils discount programme to ease commerce, logistics and digital tools for SMEs across Nigeria
Fintech firm unveils discount programme to ease commerce, logistics and digital tools for SMEs across Nigeria
Paystack, a leading payments technology company headquartered in Lagos, has announced the rollout of its Small Business Programme on Monday, aiming to provide practical support for Nigerian entrepreneurs. The initiative, which commenced in Lagos State, offers eligible small businesses up to ₦4 million in discounts on essential business services as part of the newly introduced Paystack Small Business Bundle.
According to Paystack, the bundle gives merchants access to discounted solutions from selected partners in commerce, bookkeeping, logistics, workspace, design and customer communication. The company explained that the move is designed to address persistent challenges faced by small businesses operating in Nigeria’s competitive environment—ranging from managing sales records and reaching new customers to handling deliveries and accessing affordable digital tools.
Small businesses constitute a significant part of Nigeria’s economy but often struggle with operational difficulties that slow growth. Paystack stated that the new programme will help bridge critical gaps by connecting businesses with relevant opportunities and funding options. “We are committed to supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs as they manage daily operations and plan for their next stage of growth,” Paystack said in a statement issued at the launch event.
Industry experts have welcomed the development, noting that initiatives like this are essential for improving survival rates among Nigerian SMEs. However, some business owners expressed concerns about eligibility criteria and called for more widespread awareness campaigns. As at press time, Paystack had not disclosed full details on partner selection or application processes but encouraged interested merchants to register via its official portal.
The company said it plans to expand the scope of its support programme beyond Lagos in subsequent phases, with additional resources tailored for startups in other regions. Stakeholders expect the initiative to stimulate job creation and enhance competitiveness among indigenous businesses as Nigeria’s fintech sector continues rapid expansion.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/paystack-launches-programme-to-support-nigerian-businesses/
Nigeria News (Standard)
NBS, ARCN Sign Deal to Boost Agricultural Research Data System in Abuja
Partnership aims to improve accuracy of Nigeria’s agricultural data for policy planning and sector development
Partnership aims to improve accuracy of Nigeria’s agricultural data for policy planning and sector development
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) have entered into a formal agreement in Abuja to strengthen the country’s agricultural research data system. The signing, which took place on Tuesday, is expected to enhance the quality and reliability of statistics used for policy formulation and sectoral planning across Nigeria.
According to details provided at the event, both agencies agreed to collaborate on data collection, management, and dissemination in order to address gaps that have previously hampered effective decision-making in the agricultural sector. The initiative is designed to ensure that critical information on crop production, livestock, and other key indicators is systematically gathered and made accessible to stakeholders at federal and state levels.
This collaboration comes as the federal government intensifies efforts to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth. With agriculture employing millions of Nigerians—particularly in rural communities—officials say that robust data is crucial for targeting interventions, monitoring progress, and attracting investment into the sector.
The NBS Director-General and his ARCN counterpart noted during the signing that improved data would support evidence-based policies and help Nigeria achieve food security goals. They called on other agencies and private sector players to support this move towards more transparent and reliable information flows in agriculture.
Implementation of the new agreement will commence with joint training sessions for staff of both agencies, followed by a harmonisation of existing datasets. Stakeholders are optimistic that this partnership will lead to better tracking of sector performance and facilitate informed decisions by government, researchers, and investors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Unveils New Policies to Boost LPG Supply, Address Surging Cooking Gas Prices Nationwide
Measures come as households face record-high costs; oil and gas stakeholders urged to support implementation
Measures come as households face record-high costs; oil and gas stakeholders urged to support implementation
The federal government on Tuesday announced a raft of policy interventions aimed at increasing the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly called cooking gas, in a bid to address the persistent rise in prices affecting millions of Nigerian households. The new measures were unveiled in Abuja as part of efforts to stabilise the domestic LPG market.
Officials disclosed that the interventions would focus on improving logistics for local producers, encouraging investment in infrastructure, and streamlining regulatory processes that have contributed to bottlenecks within the sector. The move comes amid complaints from consumers across Lagos, Rivers, Kano, and other states that the price of cooking gas has more than doubled over the past year, placing additional strain on household budgets.
Rising LPG prices have become a major concern for Nigerians, with data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing average prices climbing to unprecedented levels in recent months. Industry experts point to factors such as foreign exchange volatility, high transportation costs, and inadequate storage facilities as key drivers of the hike. The government said it is working closely with oil marketers and depot owners to ensure increased product availability and check arbitrary price increases at retail outlets.
A senior official from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources stated that “government is committed to making cooking gas affordable for all Nigerians”. The official added that regulatory agencies would intensify monitoring activities at filling plants and depots nationwide to forestall hoarding and profiteering. Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have been urged to support these reforms by investing in new terminals and expanding existing supply chains.
Government indicated that further consultations would be held with state governments and private sector operators to fine-tune implementation strategies. The aim is to guarantee long-term stability in LPG supply while protecting consumers from future price shocks. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the latest measures.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill Nine Farmers in Fresh Attack on Kaduna Community
Local residents say incident occurred on Tuesday as security agencies intensify patrols in Giwa LGA after recent violence
Local residents say incident occurred on Tuesday as security agencies intensify patrols in Giwa LGA after recent violence
Nine farmers have been killed by armed men in a renewed attack on a rural community in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday, June 23, in Giwa Local Government Area, where a series of violent raids have disrupted farming activities this rainy season.
According to local accounts, the bandits invaded the area in the early hours while residents were working on their farmlands. The assailants opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the deaths of at least nine people before fleeing into nearby bushland. Several villagers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at local health centres.
Kaduna has witnessed a surge in attacks targeting farming communities, especially during planting and harvest periods. Analysts say such violence threatens food production and worsens insecurity across the North-West geopolitical zone. Many residents have abandoned their farmlands due to fear, while others call for increased government intervention.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement on the latest killings. However, local vigilance groups told reporters they are working with police and military patrols to search for the attackers and prevent further incidents. Community leaders also urged authorities to reinforce deployments in Giwa LGA and support affected families.
The Kaduna State government has repeatedly condemned these attacks and assured residents of ongoing efforts to restore peace. As at press time, no arrests had been made in connection with Tuesday’s incident.
