Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja: NCGC, SMEDAN Sign MoU to Boost MSME Access to Finance Nationwide
Partnership aims to expand credit guarantees and financial literacy for small businesses as government targets job creation
Partnership aims to expand credit guarantees and financial literacy for small businesses as government targets job creation
The National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday at the NCGC headquarters in Abuja, sealing a new partnership designed to improve access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
The agreement outlines plans for joint programmes in financial literacy, credit guarantee support, capacity building, and other initiatives focused on strengthening small business growth. Key officials present at the ceremony included Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Lydia Jafiya; NCGC Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Bonaventure Okhaimo; ED Strategy and Operations, Tinuola Aigwedo; and ED Risk Management, Prof. Ezekiel Oseni.
MSMEs account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s economic activity and job creation. However, many face serious obstacles in accessing affordable credit due to high risk perceptions among lenders. The NCGC was established by government to provide credit guarantees that reduce these risks and encourage more lending from banks and other financial institutions.
Speaking at the event, Okhaimo said the partnership with SMEDAN would create a stronger framework for expanding finance options available to MSMEs nationwide. According to him: “Small businesses are central to Nigeria’s economic development agenda. This collaboration will help us deliver more targeted support so they can access finance, grow their operations and employ more people.”
Minister Uzoka-Anite described the agreement as an important milestone in government’s efforts to stimulate inclusive economic growth. She noted that enhanced cooperation between key agencies like NCGC and SMEDAN is expected to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs while also supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on job creation.
With this MoU now in place, both agencies are set to roll out joint initiatives targeting MSMEs in every geopolitical zone. Officials say further details on implementation timelines will be released in coming weeks.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/ncgc-smedan-sign-agreement-on-msme-financing-support/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Reaffirms Land Rights and Forest Protection Commitment Ahead of COP30 Summit
Nigeria pledges to strengthen environmental safeguards as global climate talks approach, highlighting ongoing forest conservation efforts
Nigeria pledges to strengthen environmental safeguards as global climate talks approach, highlighting ongoing forest conservation efforts
The federal government has restated its commitment to defending land rights and intensifying forest protection measures across Nigeria, as the country prepares for the upcoming COP30 United Nations climate summit. Officials made this assurance on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, during a series of pre-summit engagements focused on sustainable land management and environmental preservation.
Government representatives emphasised that Nigeria remains dedicated to upholding community land rights while pursuing policies that safeguard critical forest reserves, particularly in states most vulnerable to deforestation and climate impacts. The renewed commitment comes as international attention shifts towards Africa’s role in combating global warming, with Nigeria positioned as a key player in regional conservation strategies.
Land rights and forest protection have been central issues for many rural communities and indigenous groups across the country, who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. The government’s stance is seen as a response to longstanding calls from local stakeholders and international partners for stronger enforcement of land tenure laws and anti-deforestation initiatives. As at last year, Nigeria was among the countries experiencing some of the highest rates of forest loss in West Africa, according to data from global environmental bodies.
Speaking on the matter, officials reiterated that all policy actions would be guided by existing legal frameworks and international agreements signed by Nigeria. They noted that new partnerships with civil society organisations are being developed to support reforestation projects and community-based monitoring systems. The government also pledged to engage with traditional leaders and state authorities to ensure broad-based participation in upcoming environmental programmes.
With COP30 approaching, observers expect Nigeria’s commitments on land rights and forest protection to shape negotiations at the summit. Analysts say the country’s position could influence regional priorities for climate finance and technical assistance. Further details on implementation plans are expected before the global conference convenes later this year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
LASEPA Shuts Down Wise FM, Star-View Terrace and Others Over Environmental Violations in Lagos
Agency cites persistent noise, air pollution and non-compliance as reasons for sealing multiple businesses across Ikeja, Meiran and Amuwo Odofin
Agency cites persistent noise, air pollution and non-compliance as reasons for sealing multiple businesses across Ikeja, Meiran and Amuwo Odofin
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, sealed several establishments in different parts of Lagos over repeated breaches of environmental regulations. The agency’s enforcement team took action after affected companies allegedly failed to comply with abatement notices and ignored multiple warnings issued by authorities.
According to a statement released by LASEPA on Wednesday, the crackdown targeted businesses accused of persistent noise and air pollution, as well as outright disregard for official directives. Wise FM, situated at Ogabi Street near Ile-Iwe Bus Stop in Meiran, was sealed for both noise and air pollution offences. Star-View Terrace at Amuwo Odofin faced a similar fate for violating noise control guidelines. Premiership Suites on Akin Osiyemi Street, off Allen Avenue in Ikeja, was also shut down due to non-compliance with the agency’s directives.
The operation comes amid growing concern about the impact of unchecked environmental infractions on public health and the quality of life in Lagos metropolis. Noise and air pollution have remained recurring complaints among residents, especially in densely populated urban centres like Ikeja and Amuwo Odofin. LASEPA has intensified monitoring efforts in recent months following a surge in reported cases of non-compliant establishments across the state.
In its statement, LASEPA emphasised that affected businesses were given ample opportunity to address violations before the closures were enforced. “We issued repeated abatement notices and provided opportunities for compliance, but these establishments failed to heed our directives,” the agency said. No immediate response was available from owners or representatives of the sealed premises as at press time.
LASEPA stated that enforcement actions would continue until affected businesses demonstrate full compliance with environmental standards. The agency urged other operators within Lagos State to prioritise environmental responsibility or risk similar sanctions.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/lasepa-seals-several-establishments-across-lagos/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Timini Egbuson Reignites Dating Rumours with Bimbo Ademoye at Lagos Event
Nollywood stars fuel speculation after public appearance and resurfaced interview; fans question ‘just friends’ claims
Nollywood stars fuel speculation after public appearance and resurfaced interview; fans question ‘just friends’ claims
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has once again sparked relationship rumours with fellow star Bimbo Ademoye following their joint appearance at a corporate event in Lagos over the weekend. The development comes after a resurfaced interview where Egbuson suggested he would consider dating Ademoye if she were single, renewing longstanding speculation about the nature of their relationship.
The two actors, both known for their roles in popular films such as The Kujus, Breaded Life, Big Love, Reel Love, Kamsi, and Love Is Yellow, were seen arriving hand-in-hand at the Lafarge Africa rebranding ceremony in Lagos. They spent much of the event together, smiling and chatting closely. Ademoye later posted photos from the outing on social media with the caption, “I got a parking lot and my favourite TV guy,” drawing further attention from fans.
Public interest in Egbuson and Ademoye’s relationship has grown since August 2024, when Egbuson posted a video of the pair in bed together and joked about a “big announcement,” hinting at a possible child and naming ceremony. In February this year, Ademoye herself added to the speculation by jokingly telling Egbuson that she would only marry him if his film Love and New Notes crossed ₦500 million at the box office, and that they could only have children if it reached ₦1 billion.
The speculation intensified when a fan commented on Ademoye’s recent post from the Lafarge event, saying, “If you guys don’t get married, I will cry.” Ademoye replied, “You will not cry in Jesus name,” which did not confirm or deny any relationship but kept fans guessing. The appearance of both actors together at high-profile events and repeated playful exchanges have made many Nigerians question whether they are simply leveraging attention for publicity or if there is more to their friendship.
As at press time, neither Egbuson nor Ademoye has officially confirmed any romantic involvement. However, their consistent public teasing continues to generate widespread discussion online. Industry observers say this ongoing narrative keeps both stars firmly in the spotlight, with fans waiting to see whether their off-screen chemistry will ever translate into an official relationship.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/timini-bimbo-every-time-they-sparked-dating-rumours-2026062412384908558
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