Study urges Nigerian businesses to harness economic potential of displaced persons as viable workforce, not just aid recipients

A new report unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday has spotlighted Nigeria’s internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a major but overlooked economic force, urging businesses nationwide to recognise their commercial value. The study, titled ‘Hiding in Plain Sight: Africa’s $27 Billion Displacement Market Opportunity’, was launched by the Amahoro Coalition and estimates that Africa’s 43.1 million displaced people generate around $27 billion (about ₦12.6 trillion) annually.

According to the report, more than half of these displaced persons are already engaged in various economic activities across the continent, contributing significantly to sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, finance, entrepreneurship and supply chains. In Nigeria alone, IDPs represent a sizeable untapped workforce with the potential to drive national growth if given adequate access to opportunities and resources.

The report further projects that unlocking land access for displaced communities could add an extra $2.4 billion (₦1.1 trillion) in agricultural output across Africa. The Amahoro Coalition argued at the launch that Nigerian stakeholders—including government agencies, private sector investors and development partners—should move away from viewing IDPs and refugees solely as humanitarian beneficiaries and instead see them as commercially viable contributors who can boost productivity and innovation.

Speaking at the event, representatives of the coalition highlighted the importance of integrating IDPs into mainstream economic activities. They called for reforms that would allow easier access to land, credit facilities and job placements for displaced persons. “If we create pathways for IDPs to participate fully in economic life, we will not only improve their livelihoods but also unlock billions of naira in value creation,” a strategy custodian for partnerships at the coalition said during the presentation.

With Nigeria facing persistent internal displacement due to conflict and climate-related disasters—especially in North-East states—the report’s findings have renewed calls for inclusive policies that empower affected communities. Experts say that leveraging this labour pool could help address unemployment while boosting sectors like agriculture where manpower shortages persist.

The coalition urged policymakers at all levels to adopt evidence-based strategies from the report and work with local leaders to remove barriers limiting IDP participation in formal markets. It also encouraged corporate organisations to design products and services tailored to displaced populations’ needs.

As at press time, federal authorities had yet to issue an official response to the recommendations. However, humanitarian agencies welcomed the research as a “game-changer” for how displacement is understood within Nigeria’s economy.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigerias-idps-hold-untapped-economic-potential-new-report-says/

China’s fibre broadband now downloads HD movies in seconds, while Nigerian operators still focus on expanding 5G and affordable data

China has rolled out the world’s first commercial 10G broadband network, offering download speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) in Hebei Province, a development that underscores Nigeria’s current struggles with affordable high-speed internet. The milestone was achieved by Chinese telecoms firms Huawei and China Unicom, who confirmed on Wednesday that the advanced fibre-optic infrastructure is already delivering real-world speeds close to 9,834 megabits per second (Mbps), upload rates above 1,000 Mbps, and latency as low as 3 milliseconds.

While China’s technology can reportedly download an entire HD film in under twenty seconds and power smart homes, AI applications, and ultra-fast cloud services, Nigeria remains some distance away from such capacity. According to industry data, major cities like Lagos and Abuja are still working to expand both 5G coverage and fibre broadband penetration, with most subscribers reliant on 4G networks and monthly data plans ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 for limited gigabytes.

Industry stakeholders say the launch of 10G in China is likely to influence global tech standards and eventually shape expectations in Nigeria. “With this kind of leap abroad, Nigerian tech workers and freelancers will need faster connections to remain competitive,” said telecoms analyst Adeyemi Ojo by phone. He warned that unless Nigeria accelerates infrastructure upgrades, local users may struggle as global internet platforms become more demanding.

At present, the main focus among Nigerian operators remains on extending reliable 5G access nationwide and making data more affordable. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) stated in a recent briefing that widespread deployment of ultra-high-speed fibre would require significant investment in urban centres before it could reach residential homes. “We are aware of these advancements overseas but our immediate priority is ensuring existing networks are stable and accessible for all Nigerians,” ALTON’s spokesperson Gbenga Adebayo said.

Experts believe that as international markets adopt technologies like China’s new network backbone, older equipment such as efficient routers and modems may become more affordable for African countries. However, until there is substantial investment in local digital infrastructure, ultra-fast connections like those now available in parts of China remain a long-term aspiration for most Nigerians.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/china-launches-10g-internet-how-nigeria-compares-2026062611455849353

Initiative aims to boost financial literacy and practical skills for young Nigerians, addressing gaps in youth economic participation

King Charles Lambert, founder of the Compassionate Capitalism Economic System (CCES), on Wednesday unveiled the Teenagers Economic Empowerment Movement (TEEM) in Abuja, targeting financial independence and economic productivity among Nigerian youths. The programme was launched as part of efforts to equip teenagers across Africa with practical knowledge on money management and entrepreneurship from an early age.

The TEEM initiative is designed to address long-standing cultural attitudes that encourage young people to focus exclusively on academics, often delaying their exposure to real-world economic activities until adulthood. Lambert said many teenagers finish secondary school without a clear understanding of how money works or how wealth is built, which has contributed to dependency and underemployment among young adults.

According to King Charles Lambert, the movement will bridge this gap by introducing participants to practical work experience, financial literacy sessions, and personal development training. “Through TEEM, participants will be introduced to concepts such as saving, entrepreneurship, and responsibility that are commonplace in other parts of the world,” he said during the launch event. He noted that African youths are frequently excluded from these formative experiences, placing them at a disadvantage when entering the workforce.

Lambert further explained that the initiative seeks to cultivate a generation of financially informed and economically active Nigerians who can contribute meaningfully to national development. “We want our teenagers to grow with the mindset that they can shape their own financial future,” he added.

Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the initiative but called for more collaboration with schools and community leaders to ensure wide reach and sustainability. No official response has yet been issued by government authorities regarding possible policy integration or support for TEEM. The organisers say nationwide sensitisation campaigns and pilot programmes will commence later this year across major cities.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/money/lambert-launches-teen-financial-empowerment-movement/