Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Hosts Over 350 Global Firms as Investors Target Nigeria’s Booming Food and Beverage Market
Three-day West Africa exhibition attracts companies from 60 countries, with stakeholders eyeing local expansion and regional trade
Three-day West Africa exhibition attracts companies from 60 countries, with stakeholders eyeing local expansion and regional trade
More than 350 international companies converged on Lagos for the Food and Beverages West Africa Exhibition, which ended on Thursday, as foreign investors and manufacturers ramp up efforts to tap into Nigeria’s expanding consumer market. The annual event, held from June 9 to 11, attracted participants from over 60 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The exhibition provided a platform for global manufacturers, exporters, distributors, and investors to explore business opportunities in Nigeria and the wider West African region. Industry players showcased products ranging from packaged foods to beverages and food-processing technology, underscoring growing interest in the sector despite ongoing economic challenges.
Nigeria’s position as the continent’s largest consumer market was a major draw for participants. Several exhibitors described the country as the gateway to Africa’s food and beverage industry, citing its population size and robust demand for fast-moving consumer goods. With recent policy reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business, stakeholders expressed optimism about long-term growth prospects.
Speaking during the event, industry representatives highlighted opportunities for investment in value addition, supply chain logistics, and distribution networks. They also identified challenges such as currency volatility and import bottlenecks but maintained that Nigeria remains a strategic entry point for accessing wider West African markets.
As at the close of the exhibition, organisers reported high levels of engagement between local distributors and foreign partners. Analysts say increased foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s food sector could boost job creation and support government’s drive for economic diversification. Stakeholders expect follow-up discussions to translate into new partnerships and expanded operations in coming months.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/foreign-investors-companies-target-nigerian-market/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyebanji Set to Clinch Ekiti Governorship as APC Sweeps All 16 LGAs
INEC prepares to announce official results after APC’s dominant showing across Ekiti, opposition parties yet to react
INEC prepares to announce official results after APC’s dominant showing across Ekiti, opposition parties yet to react
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is on the verge of declaring Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, following a sweeping victory for the party across all 16 local government areas. The collation of results took place on Sunday, 21 June 2026, with INEC officials indicating that final figures would be announced shortly.
According to information available as at Sunday evening, the APC recorded a landslide in every LGA, positioning Oyebanji for a second term in office. The announcement is expected to be made at INEC’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti once collation is formally completed and certified by returning officers.
The apparent clean sweep by the APC marks a significant consolidation of power in Ekiti, South-West Nigeria, where opposition parties have previously contested results closely. This year’s exercise saw relatively high voter turnout and a peaceful voting process reported from most polling units across the state.
INEC officials present at the collation centre confirmed that final declaration procedures are underway. As at press time, leading opposition parties have not issued statements on the outcome. The commission has maintained that all protocols are being observed and has urged candidates and supporters to await the official pronouncement.
Once declared, Oyebanji’s victory will reinforce APC’s dominance in Ekiti politics and could shape political alignments ahead of the next general elections. Analysts say attention will now turn to how aggrieved parties respond and whether legal challenges may emerge in coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Extends Lead as INEC Announces More 2026 Election Results
APC candidate maintains advantage in key Ekiti LGAs; opposition parties yet to concede as collation continues
APC candidate maintains advantage in key Ekiti LGAs; opposition parties yet to concede as collation continues
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has widened his lead in the ongoing collation of the 2026 governorship election results, according to figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday. The announcement, made at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti, shows Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of his main challengers in most local government areas declared so far.
INEC officials continued releasing results from various LGAs throughout Sunday, with Oyebanji securing majorities in several key constituencies. The process, which began on Saturday evening after voting ended across Ekiti’s 16 local government areas, has seen large turnouts and close monitoring by party agents and observers. As at Sunday afternoon, the APC candidate was reported to have maintained a significant margin over his closest rivals from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), though final figures are still being awaited from some remaining areas.
The governorship election is seen as a crucial test for both APC and PDP in Ekiti State, located in the South-West geopolitical zone. With voter interest high following recent political developments nationwide, stakeholders say the outcome could influence alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The exercise has also drawn attention due to its largely peaceful conduct and improved logistics compared to previous polls in the state.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State urged all parties and supporters to remain calm as collation continues. “We appeal for patience while we complete this important process,” he said at the collation centre. Opposition party representatives present declined to comment on preliminary results but indicated they would await final tallies before making any official statement.
Final declaration of the winner is expected once all LGA results are collated and certified by INEC officials. Security personnel have maintained a visible presence around collation centres across Ekiti, with no major incidents reported as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
APC Wins Ekiti Governorship Poll in PDP Candidate’s Stronghold
Victory in opposition base signals shifting political landscape ahead of 2026 general elections, analysts say
Victory in opposition base signals shifting political landscape ahead of 2026 general elections, analysts say
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has clinched a significant victory in the Ekiti State governorship election, securing majority votes in a local government area previously regarded as a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The result was announced on Sunday, 21 June 2026, by electoral officials at the collation centre in Ado-Ekiti.
The APC candidate outperformed the PDP challenger by a wide margin in the constituency, overturning past voting patterns that consistently favoured the opposition. Election observers noted that turnout was moderate, with security agencies maintaining a visible presence across polling units to ensure a peaceful process. Official figures for total votes cast and margin of victory are yet to be released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This outcome is seen as a major upset in Ekiti’s political landscape, as the constituency has historically delivered strong support for PDP candidates in previous governorship and general elections. Political analysts have attributed APC’s breakthrough to recent grassroots mobilisation efforts and what they describe as voter dissatisfaction with past PDP representation at both state and federal levels.
In his reaction, an APC chieftain described the win as “a clear endorsement of our party’s renewed commitment to good governance,” while promising to consolidate on recent gains. However, PDP officials expressed concern over alleged irregularities and said they would review available evidence before deciding on next steps. The opposition could not be immediately reached for an official statement regarding possible legal challenge or petition.
With this development, attention now turns to how the APC will build on its momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections, particularly as parties strategise for further contests across Ekiti State and other parts of the South-West zone.
