Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Discovers Platinum, Gold, Lithium and Rare Earth Minerals in Kaduna, Eyes Diversification from Oil
Minister Dele Alake announces major mineral find at African summit, warns against repeat of Zamfara security lapses
Minister Dele Alake announces major mineral find at African summit, warns against repeat of Zamfara security lapses
The Federal Government has announced the discovery of commercially significant deposits of platinum, gold, lithium, nickel, copper and rare earth elements in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The development was revealed on Tuesday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit.
According to Alake, extensive exploration conducted by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) identified what he described as a ‘world-class polymetallic mineral province’ in Kaduna. These critical minerals—valued in billions of naira on global markets—are essential for modern technology including electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems and advanced manufacturing. The minister said proper management could make this one of Nigeria’s most important solid-mineral breakthroughs in decades.
Nigeria’s economy has for years depended heavily on crude oil receipts. However, data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) shows that mining still contributes less than 1% to national GDP despite vast untapped potential. The discovery in Kaduna could help government reduce reliance on oil revenues by increasing tax and royalty income, attracting local and foreign investment, creating thousands of jobs and improving infrastructure around mining communities.
Alake cautioned that authorities must avoid a repeat of the security breakdowns seen in Zamfara State’s gold fields. ‘This government is determined to implement strict measures against illegal mining and criminal networks,’ the minister said at the summit. He added that efforts are underway to secure mining sites and promote responsible investment so local communities benefit directly.
With global demand for critical minerals rising due to green energy transitions and technological innovation, experts say Nigeria stands at a turning point if it can harness these resources transparently. Further details on licensing rounds and partnerships are expected from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in coming months. As at June 2026, government officials have not released precise reserve estimates but maintain that Kaduna’s deposits are commercially viable and globally competitive.
African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit
Nigeria News (Standard)
Expert Warns SME Growth in Nigeria Needs More Than Capital Injection
Stakeholders urged to address infrastructure, policy bottlenecks as financial support alone fails to drive sustained expansion
Stakeholders urged to address infrastructure, policy bottlenecks as financial support alone fails to drive sustained expansion
Efforts to boost small and medium enterprise (SME) growth in Nigeria must go beyond simply providing capital, a leading industry expert has advised. Speaking in Lagos on Thursday, George Ogbonnaya stressed that entrepreneurs continue to face major hurdles despite increased funding opportunities, pointing to issues such as poor infrastructure, inconsistent policy and limited access to markets.
Ogbonnaya highlighted that while government and private sector interventions have made more funds available for SMEs in recent years, many businesses still struggle to survive or scale up. “The reality is that capital alone cannot solve the challenges facing Nigerian SMEs,” he said during a stakeholder meeting. “We must also address electricity supply, transportation, and regulatory barriers if we want real growth in this sector.”
SMEs account for an estimated 48 percent of Nigeria’s GDP and employ over 80 percent of the country’s workforce, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). However, the sector continues to face persistent challenges ranging from unreliable power supply and high logistics costs to frequent policy changes. These factors often undermine the effectiveness of loan schemes and other financial initiatives aimed at supporting business owners.
Ogbonnaya called for a coordinated approach involving federal and state governments, development agencies and private investors. He urged policymakers to streamline regulations and invest in infrastructure projects that would lower operational costs for SMEs. “If we focus only on giving money without fixing these underlying problems, we will keep seeing high failure rates,” he cautioned.
He also encouraged SME owners to seek out training and mentorship opportunities while leveraging digital tools to expand their reach. The expert’s remarks come amid renewed calls for economic diversification as Nigeria seeks new engines of growth beyond oil revenue.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian Social Worker in Washington Jailed for Diverting ₦25m Meant for Orphaned Autistic Child
US court orders Akeatha Akintola to repay stolen funds after fleeing to Togo with false passport
US court orders Akeatha Akintola to repay stolen funds after fleeing to Togo with false passport
A Nigerian woman, Akeatha Diane Akintola, who worked as a social worker in Washington State, United States, has been sentenced to five months in jail for stealing over $17,000 (about ₦25 million) in Social Security benefits meant for an orphaned autistic child under her care. The sentencing took place before Magistrate Judge Kate Vaughan at a US federal court on June 18, following Akintola’s guilty plea and immediate remand.
According to records from the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, Akintola began working with the Snoqualmie Tribe in January 2023. In September that year, she applied by phone to become the Social Security representative payee for a minor with intellectual disabilities who was under tribal care—a role that tribal policy specifically barred social workers from holding over children assigned to them. Prosecutors revealed that Akintola used the child’s Social Security number alongside her own details to fraudulently secure the appointment, then redirected benefits into a bank account she controlled. The funds were subsequently spent on personal expenses instead of the child’s welfare.
The theft came to light in July 2024 when Akintola and her supervisor approached the Social Security Administration to inquire about missing benefits. Officials disclosed that Akintola was listed as the representative payee; she denied this allegation but resigned from her position the next day. She later missed a scheduled court appearance on May 22, 2026. Investigations showed she had left the US two days earlier, travelling to Togo using a passport issued under another surname.
At sentencing, Judge Vaughan noted that Akintola’s actions targeted a highly vulnerable victim. A representative of the Snoqualmie Tribe told the court that Akintola had abused her position and exploited a grieving child for financial gain, saying: “In our profession, a social worker is meant to be a safekeeper… Ms Akintola did not just fail in that duty; she weaponised her position of power to systematically steal from a grieving, autistic child.”
Akintola was ordered by the court to pay $17,638 (about ₦25 million) in restitution to the Social Security Administration and has been permanently barred from serving as a representative payee again. The case has drawn attention among Nigerians abroad regarding professional ethics and trust issues within diaspora communities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Employers Prioritise AI Skills as Job Market Shifts Towards Digital Efficiency
Major recruiters now seek professionals who can blend technology with creativity, as AI reshapes employment criteria in Nigeria
Major recruiters now seek professionals who can blend technology with creativity, as AI reshapes employment criteria in Nigeria
Top employers in Lagos are increasingly prioritising candidates with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, signalling a major shift in recruitment practices across Nigeria’s commercial capital. The development, which became evident on Tuesday, follows growing industry emphasis on digital competence and adaptability in the workplace.
According to insights from leading recruitment platform Jobberman, companies are no longer simply looking for traditional qualifications but are actively seeking professionals who can combine human intuition with the speed and accuracy of AI tools. Employers say that while AI will not entirely replace workers, those who fail to adopt emerging technologies risk being left behind by colleagues who do.
Industry stakeholders note that staying relevant does not necessarily require programming knowledge. Rather, it involves learning to leverage AI solutions for tasks such as research, automation of repetitive duties, and enhancing daily productivity. As digital tools become standard in offices from Victoria Island to Ikeja, core human qualities like creativity, critical thinking, leadership and emotional intelligence have become more valuable than ever.
Speaking on the trend, a Jobberman spokesperson explained: “We are seeing employers move beyond just academic certificates. They now want staff who can use technology to add value—whether it is automating reports or finding smarter ways to work.” The spokesperson advised job seekers to remain curious and open to new skills, stressing that willingness to learn will be a key factor in securing jobs moving forward.
Labour market analysts believe this evolution will continue as Nigerian firms face increasing global competition and pressure to deliver results faster. Many predict that those who view technology as a collaborator—rather than a threat—will be best positioned for career growth. As at press time, several multinational firms operating in Lagos had rolled out internal training programmes aimed at upskilling employees in AI literacy.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ai-wont-take-your-job-but-someone-using-ai-might-2026062511122451400
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